Some of the UK gambling operators bid for the first online casino gambling license in India and it’s expected to be Ј37 billion betting market. There are 13 companies in the bidding battle for the internet license in the Himalayan state of Sikkim including William Hill, Betfair and Bwin. The conclusion for this battle will be anticipated in few weeks.

The company that wins the gambling license is going to be allowed to advertize their services in Sikkim alone, but is going to be authorized to take bets from all over India. Sikkim holds a population of 600,000 but India holds 1.2 billion and while internet connectivity in India is weaker than western countries, the more wealthy states hold a high level of penetration.

A William Hill spokesperson commented: "We are interested in going into the Indian market and we are in talks with potential partners at the moment." As per Indian regulation, foreign companies are required to have an Indian partner so as to carry out business in the country and William Hill is allegedly talking with a Sikkim based company called Global Torrent International.